2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Cole Kelley, QB, SE Louisiana

Cole Kelley is a HUGE quarterback, he reminds me of Jake Luton in the 2020 NFL Draft. Kelley stands at 6060 and weighs 260 pounds. He is a pro style quarterback that can chuck the ball around the field. The Lafayette, Louisiana native recently transferred back home after playing at Arkansas for the Razorbacks for a couple years.

Cole Kelley was the starting quarterback in Arkansas before leaving to return home. Kelley had a 3-3 record in six starts in two years. He filled in for the injured Austin Allen and led the team to wins against Ole Miss and Coastal Carolina. Before leaving the Razorbacks, Kelley was starting until Ty Storey eventually took over. Kelley finished his career at Arkansas throwing for 1,483 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Cole and WR Austin Mitchell recently made our 2021 Small School Rankings

Kelley would come home to play for SE Louisiana and it was one of the best decisions for him. Last season, he was the back-up quarterback for the Lions and still completed 69 of his 93 passes for 816 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 10 touchdowns, which was a team high.

This year, Kelley is the man and I expect him to blow up. Kelley is known as a pro style quarterback but last year he was impressive on his feet. He ran the ball 89 times, that is a lot for a quarterback. He is huge so at the goal line the Lions utilized their biggest weapon. If he can improve he could possibly become the best small school quarterback.

NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Notes:

NFL teams love big quarterbacks that have athletic ability. Last year, Jake Luton was drafted and Cole Kelley has a similar frame. Not many small school quarterbacks have been drafted this past decade (9), but Kelley will have a shot with a huge year. Being that he has won at Arkansas will help him to destroy the level of competition talk. The question is can he lead the Lions in 2020 and prove to be the man? We will find out soon. – Damond Talbot, NFL Draft Diamonds Owner